At a glance
- Sprint retirement: SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider Raul Fernandez withdrew from the remainder of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after pain forced him out of Saturday's Sprint.
- Finger fracture: The withdrawal stems from a stable right index finger fracture sustained two weeks ago at Mandalika, accompanied by soft-tissue inflammation.
- Sepang status: After forfeiting a second-row start for Sunday's 27-lap race at Phillip Island, Fernandez has been declared unfit ahead of next week's Malaysian Grand Prix, with plans to travel to Sepang for further medical attention.
In this article
Raul Fernandez has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after retiring from Saturday's Sprint at Phillip Island. Riding the #25 machine for SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team, the British Grand Prix winner took no further part in the event after pain from an existing hand injury forced him off the track during the Saturday contest.
Right Index Finger Injury and Soft-Tissue Inflammation
The physical issue originated two weeks earlier at the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, where Fernandez suffered a fracture to his right index finger. While medical assessments confirmed that the fracture is stable, inflammation developed in the soft tissue surrounding the injury.
The pain from the fracture and inflammation proved too severe for Fernandez to continue riding at Phillip Island, leading to his retirement from the Sprint.
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Forfeited Second-Row Grid Spot at Phillip Island
The withdrawal forces Fernandez to surrender a second-row starting position for Sunday's 27-lap Grand Prix.
Fernandez won at Phillip Island last season and took victory at the British Grand Prix, but his withdrawal precludes him from competing in Sunday's race.
Declared Unfit Ahead of Malaysian Grand Prix
Fernandez has been declared unfit ahead of next week's Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang. He will travel to Malaysia to seek further medical attention, with hopes of returning to fight at the front, although his participation remains unconfirmed.
Sprint Attrition and Title Impact
Fernandez was not the only rider sidelined from Sunday's Grand Prix during Saturday's running. Jorge Martin crashed out of second place at Turn 8 on Lap 8 of the Sprint, sustaining a weekend-ending injury. Marc Marquez took victory in the Sprint to claim the World Championship lead.
Related reading: Jorge Martin Ruled Out of Australian GP After Phillip Island Sprint Crash; Marc Marquez Recovers from Turn 4 Crash to Take Australian GP Pole.
Sources: Fernandez withdraws from Australian GP; Marc Marquez takes title lead with Sprint win, Martin crashes out of epic battle.
